Magnetic tape recording and reproducing device

Claim 1

A magnetic tape recording apparatus adapted to receive either an endless reel tape cartridge or a two reel cassette tape cartridge of a relatively smaller width and height, comprising: means defining a housing containing said apparatus having a single entrance therein, said entrance being adapted to allow the passage of said endless reel or said two reel cartridge into said apparatus, first tape transport means and first magnetic means for recording and reproduction mounted in said housing and adapted to accommodate and operated with said endless reel cartridge when fully inserted, second tape transport means for driving the tape and second magnetic means for recording and reproduction adapted to accommodate said two reel cartridge, a first movable support member for supporting and moving said second tape transport from an inoperative position displaced from the entry path of said cartridge to an operative position, said operative position being such that said second tape transport is in a position for driving the tape of a two reel cassette inserted in said apparatus, engaging means for causing the first movable support to operate to move said second tape transport on its support, said engaging means being positioned so as to be engaged by a two-reel tape cartridge entering the apparatus through said entrance and adapted to move responsive thereto to move said first movable support from the inoperative to the operative position, second movable support having mounted thereon said second magnetic means, said second support being positioned in the path of entry of said endless reel cartridge, and guide means positioned adjacent said entrance and movable away therefrom upon entry of an endless reel cartridge, said guide means being coupled with said engaging means and said second movable support as to operate to remove said engaging means and said movable support to a position allowing insertion of an endless reel cartridge therepast and into an operative engagement with said first transport and magnetic means.